I absolutely hate that government and bank apps are only available on the Play Store. You are legally required to have a Google account and accept their ToS to use them. I am aware of Aurora, but some banking apps check their origin and refuse to run if not downloaded from the Play Store.
I had to deal with this for government apps specifically related to immigration. I don't mind banks requiring it, I don't have to use that bank. I do mind governments requiring it if my only recourse is having to leave the country entirely.
They are required for just about everyone in a lot of countries. In the Netherlands a bank account is actually a right¹, and as far as the tax authority is concerned, required.
Companies can choose what product to offer and what customers to serve. I can choose what products I'm willing to spend my money and time on.
My problem is when I am compelled to use something despite my opposition to it, such as the immigration app I mentioned being force to use under threat of being kicked out of the country.
Cash salaries are banned in some European countries. You can't have any income without a bank account. Welcome to the dystopian future, enjoy your stay.
IIRC Payment Services Directive aka PSD2 in EU for banking sector mandated verification of users and transaction and one of such ways is verification through mobile app.
When I login to my bank on desktop, after passing thru standard flow of login+password (plus silly "pick the avatar you once selected placed at random on this grid") page shows a modal to approve once, approve and add to trusted devices or log out (which never works on dynamic IP). Then I need to approve in app with secondary PIN aka "mobile password" in my bank terminology. Operations on both desktop and within app require that secondary PIN; transactions up to a specified limit do not but mobile payments done with temporary 6-digit codes need a confirm
